VO2 simply stands for Volume of Oxygen. The CardioCoach
measures the volume of oxygen your body consumed at the
various intensity levels during your test. The higher the workload you perform, the more oxygen your body requires to metabolize the energy needed. Since there is a direct relationship
between oxygen consumption (VO2) and Calories burned, the
CardioCoach can also determine how many Calories your body
is burning at each intensity level.

At high levels of intensity your body does not have sufficient
oxygen to meet energy demands. Your body then uses anaerobic (without oxygen) energy sources which produce lactic
acid. When you exercise above your anaerobic threshold your
breathing will increase rapidly. It will be difficult to maintain
this intensity level for a long period of time.

The greater your VO2 at your Aerobic Threshold, the greater your
quality of life. The more you can move - the more you can do!

FITNESS LEVEL RESULTS
The maximum rate of oxygen uptake (VO2) is called "VO2 Max".
VO2 Max is the Gold Standard method to measure fitness. Bottom line: a higher max = a higher ability to intensely exercise.
For example, Lance Armstrong has a VO2 Max of 83.8
ml/min/kg. To achieve a high VO2 MAX, a person must have a
fit heart and lungs and significant lean muscle mass that is
well conditioned.

MALE - VO2 MAX Fitness
Assessment Criteria:
(mlO2/kg/min)

The CardioCoach test results show your "Peak" or Maximum
Measured VO2. If you performed to your maximum effort level
then your Maximum Measured VO2 is your VO2 Max - the maximum amount of oxygen your body can consume per minute.

FEMALE - VO2 MAX Fitness
Assessment Criteria:
(mlO2/kg/min)

AGE

VERY POOR

POOR

FAIR

GOOD

EXCELLENT

SUPERIOR

AGE

VERY POOR

POOR

FAIR

GOOD

EXCELLENT

SUPERIOR

Fortunately, VO2 Max has been well studied and we can compare your results to published values. If you pushed yourself
near your maximum level, you can use the tables to rate your
level of fitness.
VO2 MAX Tables - Data from Cooper, K. The Aerobics Way. New York, Bantam Books, Inc. 1982.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR WORKOUT ZONES
As you increased the intensity (workload) during your exercise
test, your body responded differently at the various levels of exercise. Your body started out using aerobic energy sources
and gradually converted over to anaerobic energy sources.
These are different physiological "Zones" of your metabolism
and are mostly driven by your heart and lung's ability to provide
sufficient oxygen to your body.
The CardioCoach finds these physiological zones and uses
your heart rate as a landmark as to where these critical metabolic changes occur. The CardioCoach simplifies the results as
your Target Heart Rate Workout Zones.

Low Intensity Zone

Moderate Intensity Zone

High Intensity Zone

Peak Intensity Zone

In this zone your body is using completely aerobic energy sources. This is best for
fat burning. Your hear and
lungs easily provide the
needed oxygen for your activity.

As you increase intensity in
this zone your body increases the amount of anaerobic
energy needed. Your heart
and lungs are more challenged to meet the oxygen
demands. you can maintain
this level for a long time before becoming fatigued.

In this zone your body is
heavily relying on anaerobic
energy sources. You will rapidly build an oxygen debt.
You will not be able to maintain this level of exertion for
long periods of time.

This is your highest intensity
level - based on your peak
heart rate measured during
the test. Effort in this zone
will be of a very short duration. For example, a sprint at
the end of a run.

Fat Burning

Endurance

Cardio Training

Cardio Training

Note: The upper end of the peak and high intensity zones are based off your peak results during the test.
If a "sub-maximal" test was performed, the upper end of your High & Peak zones will be lower.

WHAT TO DO?
If you are working with a trainer or fitness coach, listen to
them. Follow their advice without looking for shortcuts. This
test provides them with valuable insight into your fitness requirements.

What Are Your Goals?
Lose Weight / Burn Fat

Exercise plays an important role in reducing body fat. Research
continues to show that long-duration, low-intensity exercise is
best for burning fat. A minimum of 30 minutes 3 times per week
is need to see results.
Even though higher intensity workouts burn more calories per
minute, they can be counter productive for weight loss.

Increase Endurance

Your Anaerobic Threshold (AT) represents the maximum intensity level that you can maintain for an extended period of time. Exercising at your Anaerobic Threshold Heart Rate will increase
your performance in endurance activities.

Cardio Training

Short 10 minute intervals of exercising in your High and Peak Intensity zones will aid in improving your cardiovascular fitness.